ARSP expands help for struggling students

Grand Valley’s Academic Resources and Special Programs continues to improve and expand services to help students as they face challenges on their way to graduation.

The Early Alert and Student Success Program proactively identifies and supports struggling students early, which is key for student retention and success. The program has been expanded from an existing component, Graduation Persistence Assistance Program, which continues to assists students in poor academic standing to improve their grade point averages and demonstrate progress toward graduation.

One new component, the Early Alert Referral Service, provides faculty and staff members with means to refer students who may be struggling for any reason to Early Alert advisers. Faculty and staff can complete an online referral form, accessed at www.gvsu.edu/arsp. Once a referral form is received, Early Alert advisors will contact the students and provide them with support and referral to campus resources.

Another component, Secondary Admit GPA Assistance, focuses on supporting and educating students who have declared a major that requires secondary admit criteria.

“We will be facilitating a series of presentations to get the word out about these new services,” said Program Advisor Jackie Rautio, who works with Director Leijhi Koval. “It is most important that students realize we are here to help them with situations that challenge their success inside or outside the classroom, at any point in their academic career.”

All components of the program aim to help students develop a plan for success with specific measurable goals. By developing strong relationships with other departments and faculty, the program will also encourage collaboration and cross-referrals.